Smithsonian publishes biodiversity curriculum guide for 6th-8th grade teachers
This freely available community research guide was developed by the Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) in partnership with the InterAcademy Partnership as part of the Smithsonian Science for Global Goals project. These Smithsonian Science for Global Goals community research guides use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to focus on sustainable actions that are defined and implemented by students.
Designed for 6th-8th grade teachers
Biodiversity! is the new community research guide from the Smithsonian Science for Global Goals project.
In the guide, young people explore the question “How can we balance the needs of people with the needs of other living things?” Students conduct field investigations into the biodiversity of their communities, using their senses and other tools to search for plants, animals, fungi, and even bacteria. They also conduct investigations into what the people and other living things in their communities need to survive, and how the intersection of those needs can result in conflict.
By examining their own perspectives and the perspectives of subject matter experts featured in the guide, students generate customized solutions for the conflicts in their community and contribute to a more sustainable planet.